Depleted Pacers Cut Down Nets 98-87

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap, NBA Injuries

A healthy T.J. Ford is a productive T.J. Ford these days for the Indiana Pacers; the 4th-year veteran thus far this season has helped the Pacers remain relevant in the NBA’s always-competitive Central Division and Wednesday’s game against the New Jersey Nets helped them to that end. Ford nearly recorded a triple-double in leading Indiana to a convincing win over New Jersey 98-87 at Izod Center; the Pacers won despite being without their leading scorer Danny Granger (quadricep injury), Mike Dunleavy (knee) and Troy Murphy (flu).

The Pacers took control of the game in the second quarter with a huge 18-5 run, including seven points by Fordand 6 by reserve guard Jarrett Jack; they would go into halftime with a 7-point lead. Entering the third period, Indiana would increase their margin to 10 and as many as 13 in the final quarter when Travis Diener drained a 3-pointer; New Jersey would return the favor with a 12-4 run, capped by a dunk by Sean Williams. After a Pacers timeout, Jack would hit a trey and Marquis Daniels would slam a basket home to put Indiana up for good 81-71.

Indiana had six players in double-digits, led by Ford with a near triple-double, scoring 18 points with 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals while Jeff Foster and Daniels each scored 16 – with Foster grabbing 7 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists with 2 steals and 2 blocked shots while Daniels grabbed 6 boards, dished out an assist and notched a pair of steals.

New Jersey was led by Vince Carter with 28 points, a rebound and 7 assists while Jarvis Hayes added 15 with 7 rebounds, an assist and steals. Indiana (4-3) plays again on Friday when they return home to host the Philadelphia 76ers while New Jersey (2-5) remains home to host the Atlanta Hawks – also on Friday.

Updates, Fresh From the Oven, Straight to Your Inbox